Today’s Route: Route 116 to 112 which becomes the Kancamagus Highway.

Today: 32 miles. Total miles: 4237 Riding time: 3 hrs 19 min Elevations: N. Haverhill: Lincoln: Total ascent: 3330’ Total descent: 2270’ Calories: 2239 Avg speed 9.4 mph Max speed 32 mph

Significant climbing today combined with a stiff headwind. Route 112 climbs to an area near Mt. Moosilauke, a crossing for the Appalachian Trail. Then a fast, steep run down into North Woodstock NH. Stopped at the White Mountain Visitor Center. Road conditions were poor for the first ten miles on route 116 – no shoulders and the sides of the road are in poor repair with lots of cracks and missing chunks of pavement. The next part of the trip was on a well-paved road which took me up to the summit. Unfortunately the chipped stone and tar pavement makes for a rough ride.

Got a late start today after going into town for breakfast and doing the laundry at the campground. Refilled our freshwater tank and dumped at the campground, but the late start got us into Lincoln around 4pm. Decided to start up the Kancamagus Highway and got as far as the Big Rocks Campground. Another 6 miles of climbing tomorrow to reach the pass at 2855’.

Lots of traffic in North Woodstock and Lincoln due to the 38th Annual Highlander Games Celebration – cars and people everywhere! Saw a “cop in a kilt” directing traffic at the Games – now that’s something you don’t see every day!

Fall foliage much prettier and more colorful as we travel further north. Now seeing more yellows and reds mixed in with the browns! Some gorgeous mountainous country here in central New Hampshire – another “come back to” area! Lots to see and do in this neck of the woods!

Jeanne traveled up through the Connecticut River Valley on Route 302 to Littleton and stopped at an Arts & Crafts Festival in the little town of Lisbon – bought some handmade dark chocolates and honey-oatmeal soap! About 15 vendors with a variety of talents – felted wool items, photography, braided rugs, homemade candy and baked goods, handwoven tiny baskets, and more. Spoke with the local police chief and several vendors about C.O.P.S. Headed down I-93 to North Woodstock through Franconia Notch State Park where the interstate becomes two lanes for several miles (one lane in each direction) with parking areas for hiking along the way. Beautiful foliage! Many cars in the parking lots. She met up with me at the White Mountain Visitor Center.

Camped at Big Rocks National Forest Campground on the Kancamagus Highway, about 8 miles east of Lincoln NH. No hookups. $10 with Senior Pass. Beautiful, large sites in bear country! Saw signs all day for bear, deer and moose crossings!

“On the road again. . .I wonder where we’re going today!”

Beautiful River Meadow Campground on the Connecticut River!

Fall flowers!

At the Lisbon Festival!

Lisbon crafters – he makes rugs, she makes chocolates!

Artisan Sara Boothman making tiny baskets!

Entertainment at Lisbon Arts & Crafts Festival!

Lisbon Memorial Park

White Mountains Visitor Center and beautiful Gift Shop!

Campsite at Big Rocks Forest Service Campground east of Lincoln NH

Lots of signs for moose, deer and bear crossings!

Beautiful fall foliage in New England!

Nature’s best!

There’s something about water. . .

and vibrant fall colors!

Quote for the Day: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything.” Hand-quilted wall hanging at the Lisbon NH Arts & Crafts Festival